Lexus RX 300 4WD
18 MPG The 2003 Lexus RX 300 4WD is EPA-rated at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 21 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 833 gallons, $2667 a year in fuel, or $0.178 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1999–2003 run it averages 18 MPG, essentially flat across 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.139 | $1389 | $2083 | $2778 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.178 | $1778 | $2667 | $3556 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.194 | $1944 | $2917 | $3889 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.222 | $2222 | $3333 | $4444 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.278 | $2778 | $4167 | $5556 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 2002 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 2001 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 2000 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1999 | 18 MPG | 17 | 20 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 26 midsize station wagons models tracked here, the Lexus RX 300 4WD ranks 21 on current figures, against a class average of 21.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4motion (19), Mercedes-Benz E320 (Wagon) (20), Saab 9-5 Wagon (20.5), Volvo V70 AWD (20.5), Audi A6 Avant quattro (21).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 494 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Lexus RX 300 4WD get?
The 2003 Lexus RX 300 4WD is rated at 18 MPG combined by the EPA — 16 city and 21 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 18 MPG, ranging from 18 to 18 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Lexus RX 300 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 18 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 833 gallons — roughly $2667 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.178 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2003 model is $3450.
Has the Lexus RX 300 4WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 18 MPG today against 18 in 1999 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Lexus RX 300 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 21 of 26 in the Midsize Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 21.7 MPG. That is 3.7 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.